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Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada is the primary source of water for San Francisco. To balance the needs of our growing population with winter snowpack reduced by climate change, water efficiency is essential.

The good news is that saving water saves money and energy too. Both form and function are often improved by fixing leaks and installing high efficiency plumbing appliances. Outdoors, money and resources are stretched with simple measures like mulching, harvesting water in rain barrels, and landscaping with native and climate-adapted plants.

Additional Information for Water Wise

The Green Building Ordinance

San Francisco Building Code 13C integrates the water efficiency and stormwater requirements in California's Green Building Standards (CALGreen) with stricter local requirements.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission offers rebates, provides technical resources, and implements policies to help us use water efficiently indoors and outdoors, and to develop new water resources.
SFPUC conducts project review to ensure that new and redevelopment projects disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of the ground surface are designed to reduce impacts on the wastewater system and the Bay.

A dynamic city like San Francisco requires the efficient use of clean, renewable energy to meet the needs of today and future generations. Our innovative policies and programs help San Franciscans use energy wisely, while saving money and reducing environmental impacts.

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SF Environment aims to reduce travel-created carbon by getting people out of cars and instead traveling by walking, biking or public transit. We also are greening the City fleet of vehicles and encourage the public to reduce their impact by supporting cleaner fuels and vehicles.

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As the first city to adopt the Precautionary Principle, San Francisco strives to protect the health of its residents, visitors and the local environment. SF Environment develops programs and policies to help individuals and businesses make safer choices in products, practices and services.

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San Francisco is habitat for 800,000 people – meeting needs for space to work, play, and learn; for food, water, and air; for community with local flora and fauna. SF Environment provides support for urban agriculture and forestry and green buildings, helping residents and businesses harness environmental opportunities.

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SF Environment focuses on building community capacity - engaging people throughout the City’s neighborhoods and providing them with the tools, education, and job opportunities to ensure that the places where we live, play, learn, and work are safe and healthy.

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Reducing carbon emissions is central to ensuring a sustainable future for San Francisco. Climate change will bring unstable weather, rising sea levels and damage to our city’s natural habitat and infrastructure. SF Environment is committed to mobilizing the City to deal with Climate Change.